About this course

Learn the art of designing a medal. Design a hand-held, two-sided medal, and, throughout the course, learn an array of making techniques to produce your own contemporary art medal model from plaster or wax.

Course Description

Art medals are tactile, intimate and intriguing art forms, dating back to the portraits of Pisanello in the 1400s, and inspiring artists all over the world for centuries to turn their hand to expressing themselves within the parameters of this unique form.

An art medal is defined by two sides and an edge. Medals can tell stories, comment on politics, portray a person, or even capture the emotions we feel in the face of climate change.

On this course, you will learn the concept of art medal design, and will cover plaster work, low relief carving, typography, silicon mould-making and wax work, so that you can end the course with a perfect model of your design.

The wax models produced from the silicon mould on this course can then be lost-wax cast into bronze. You can sign up to your tutor’s bronze casting course in April where you will learn the full process from start to finish. Alternatively, your tutor will provide advice on where you can send your medal for casting at your own expense. Or, you can simply enjoy the model you have made as it is.

Course Materials

Included

On this course, the College will supply all of the materials, including plaster and wax to produce the final models you design and make on the course.

What students need to bring

Simply your scruffy clothes

Available to buy

Available from shop:

A good variety of art and craft materials

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Abigail Burt

Abigail Burt is a Royal College of Art Sculpture MA 2020 graduate. Her artist practice considers our connection with our environment, with an emphasis on ecological awareness and public participation. In 2019 she founded Kinstinct Arts, an arts and ecology platform, from which she is currently running the project Lost-Wax for Lost-Species. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.